Liquid filling apparatus



6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 25, 1951 INVENTOR. flr't h U? wormser Sept.18, 1956 A. WORMSER LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June25, 1951 INVENTOR. flvtbur Wormsev Sept, 18, 1956 A. WORMSER 2,763,416

LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS Filed June 25, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 figure 4INVENTOR. fl rthuzwormsev Agent Sept 18, 1956 A. WORMSER 2,763,416

LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS Filed June 25, 1951 v 6 Sheets-Sheet 4,

Fgiqu re 10 .IN V EN TOR.

LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS Filed June 25, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 mm kINVENTOR. flrthur worse?- Age-mi Sept. 18, 1956 r A. WORMSER 2,763,416

LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS Filed June 25, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.Arthur- Morn wet" United States Patent 2,763,416 LIQUID FILLINGAPPARATUS Arthur Wormser, Tucson, Ariz., assignor to InfilcoI'ncorporated, Tucson, Ariz., a corporation of Delaware Application June25, 1951, Serial No. 233,409

16 Claims. (Cl. 226-93) This invention relates to multiple fillingapparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for filling in unison abank of containers from the bottom.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the typereferred to, which is capable of simultaneously filling any desirednumber of containers.

Another object is to provide a multiple filling device adapted forfilling degasified liquid into containers without entrainment of air.

Another object of the invention is a device of this general type whichcan be operated with a minimum of power.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a multiple fillingdevice which needs a minimum of space and can be adapted to the spaceavailable in individual installations over a wide range of height andwidth. A further object is to provide a device of this type whose mainparts are standardized.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for filling abank of containers from the bottom which performs automatically a seriesof operations after initial starting of the operation.

Other objects will become apparent from a consideration of thespecification and claims.

The apparatus of the present invention is useful whenever it isdesirable to fill in unison a multiplicity of containers from thebottom. In some cases the purpose of such filling from the bottom ismerely to avoid splashing, as in filling of toxic liquids; in others itis necessary to prevent entrainment of air, as in the process disclosedin the patent to Embshotf, No. 2,528,875.

The invention lends itself particularly well to the filling of ice canswith degasified water, in accordance with the process of said patent,and will therefore be described herein for purposes of illustration, butnot of limitation, as applied to an ice can filling apparatus.

It is usual in the ice making industry to handle a bank of ice canssimultaneously. A number of cans is usually lifted in a bank and broughtby a suitable overhead trolley crane to a dumping device where the cansare dumped and refilled in unison. Once filled, the cans are transportedto their place in the freezing brine tank where they are lowered intoplace and left immersed in circulating freezing brine. When the water isfrozen, the cans are lifted in unison from their place in the brine tankand taken to a hot water tank where the bank of cans is immersed in hotwater to thaw the outside of the ice blocks from the inside walls of thecans. The bank of cans is then hoisted and transported to the dumpingdevice into which the bank of cans is set. The dump rack tips the entirebank of cans over on its side such that the ice blocks slide out and runoil in a suitable chute to a storage room or loading platform. The emptybank of cans is tipped to an upright position and refilled with waterafter which the trolley crane again picks up the bank of filled cans andtransports them to their place in the brine tank. The procedure brieflyoutlined above is applied quite generally to the makingof raw water ice.

ice

The bank of cans is usually filled from an overhead bank of tanks whichare filled to a common measuring level by a float controlled supplyvalve. Each of the tanks has an outlet that empties its contents intoone of the ice cans, and in this manner the bank of cans is filled to acommon and properly controlled content, such that by volume measure allof the cans are filled alike and the resulting ice blocks are ofsubstantially the same weight. The outlets of the tanks are above theupper rim of the cans, and the water drops through the full height ofthe cans. A valve is provided in every outlet, and the bank of valves isoperated by a common lever.

This method of filling the cans permits the water to fall into themthrough the air, and there is, therefore, a considerable amount ofaeration of the water. This is permissible in the conventional raw waterice manufacture, where the water in the freezing cans is continuouslyagitated during the freezing process by bubbling air through thefreezing water. Obviously, in such a process it does not matter thatsome air is entrained in the water during filling of the ice cans.

In the process of said Patent No. 2,528,875 the water is demineralizedand degasified before freezing and is frozen into clear ice withoutagitation. Obviously, in such a process the water cannot be permitted tofall through the air and thereby pick up air before freezing. Therefore,in this process the water is preferably introduced from the bottom ofthe cans.

The filling of a bank of cans in unison and from the bottom withoutchanging the design of existing cans involves problems which are notinvolved in filling individual containers from the bottom. To fill inunison a bank of ice cans, for instance, it is necessary to provide acorresponding number of filler tubes which are swingable from a fillingposition, in. which their lower ends are within, and adjacent the bottomof, the ice cans, to a non-filling position, in which their lower endsare retracted and clear the upper rims of the cans. The space availablefor the swinging movement of the tubes is usually quite limited in iceplants. The overhead trolley crane limits the movement vertically, andfrequently a wall in the rear of the dump limits the movementhorizontally. Further, in the non-filling position all parts of thefilling mechanism vmust clear the dumping path of the cans. This imposesa further limitation to the positioning of the operating parts. Sincethe vertical and horizontal space limitations vary from plant to plant,it is desirable to provide a filling device which can be adapted to awider range of space variations and still permits the use ofstandardized parts. Such ready adaptability to varying space limitationscannot be obtained by moving the filler tubes on a circle. With tubesmoving on a circular path there is a minimum distance of the center ofrotation from the ice can at which the tube will just clear the can inall parts of its travel. No decrease of this minimum distance can beobtained by increasing the vertical extension of the movement, anyincrease in the vertical path obviously increasing also the horizontalextension of movement and vice versa. Apparatus utilizing filler tubesrotating about a center, therefore, cannot always be adapted to thespace available in existing ice plants. To obtain the necessaryadaptability, I propose to use a four link motion for moving the fillertubes. With such a four link motion the ratio of vertical andhorizontalextension can be varied widely. Thus, when the overhead spacein a plant is small but ample space is available in the rear of thedump, the tubes can be moved through an arc which has a relatively largehorizontal and a relatively small vertical component. And conversely,where ample overhead space is available but little space in the rear ofthe dump, the arc can have a predominantly vertical extension. In apreferred form 3 v of the invention such adaptations are obtained whileusing standardized four link mechanisms by incorporating a suitablyshaped cam into the apparatus.

The invention will be more readily understood from a consideration ofthe drawings, which form a part hereof and wherein similar numerals inthe several figures designate similar elements. I

Figure l is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, of a filling deviceaccording to the invention, showing the device intermediate the fillingand non-filling positions;

Figure 2 is a partial front elevation, partially in section, of a deviceaccording to the invention, showing the device in filling position;

Figure 3 illustrates diagrammatically the path through which a fillingdevice according to the invention is moved from its non-filling position(indicated in full lines) through an intermediate position to itsfilling position (the intermediate and filling positions being indicatedin dotted lines);

, Figure 4 shows a filling device according to the invention in itsconventional surroundings;

Figure 5 illustrates diagrammatically the several positions of apreferred embodiment of a filling device according to the inventionutilizing a cam with the fourlink mechanism;

Figure 6 is a partial rear view of the embodiment of Figure 5 showing apreferred support; 7

Figure 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a foot valveaccording to the invention;

Figure 8 is an end view of the apparatus showing the far end, as seen inFigure 1, and the drive means;

Figure 9 shows a wiring diagram for carrying out the operations ofmoving the filling device and for starting and stopping its liquidsupply; and

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a filling device connecteddirectly to an overhead tank.

Figure 1 shows diagrammatically 'a bank of ice cans 10 supported inupright position on a conventional dump rack 11, such as generally usedin ice plants, which is swingable about an axis 12. The filling deviceincludes a stationary liquid header 20, supported by any suitable meanssuch as supports 21, a bank of filler tubes 22, one for each can,flexibly connected to the header 20 as by hoses or tubes 23 and providedwith foot valves 24, and four-link mechanisms 25 supporting and movingthe tubes 22. The filler tubes 22. are shown in Figure l in anintermediate position between their non-filling position (shown in fulllines in Figure 3), where their lower ends are retracted from the cams,and their filling position (shown in Figure 2), where their lower endsare adjacent the bottom of the cans. As shown in Figures l and 2, thefour-link mechanism for each filler tube has two of the four links splitinto parallel arms, one on each side of the tube. While thisconstruction is preferred because it gives the structure high stabilityand prevents lateral movement of the tubes, it is entirely feasible tooperate the filling device with all links built as simple parts.

Figure 3 diagrammatically shows a simple four-link mechanism 25 and thepositions through which it moves and directs its tube 22. The fourjoints of the four-link mechanism 25 are indicated by the letters A, B,C and D. A and B are stationary bearings, and AB is the stationary linkof the mechanism. Joints C and D are formed on the tube 22 so that theconnecting link CD is represented by the tube 22. Link B-C is formed bya lever or arm 26 which-is rigidly connected to, and driven by, a shaft27 which is rotatably supported in fixed bearings B. Shaft 27 runs the.full length of the filling device. The other end of the arm 26 ispivotally connected to joint C on the tube 22. The fourth member AD ofthe four-link mechanism is formed by a link 28 pivotally connected tothe joint D with one end, and rotatably supported with its other end asby a shaft 29 being rotatable in fixed bearings A. The shaft 29 may be athrough-going shaft, as indicated in Figures 1 and 2, or the severallinks 28 may be supported individually.

When shaft 27 is driven counterclockwise, the arm 26 lifts the tube 22to a position where the foot valve 24 at the end of the tube clears theupper rim of the can 10. The other three members of the four-linkmechanism give the tube 22 a definite angular position during thismotion so that the tube stays clear of the walls during the entiremotion. In the uppermost position of tube 22 the hos e 23 is bentupwardly to keep the tube connected with the main 20.

Any suitable means may be used for moving the shaft 27. For purposes ofillustration a hydraulic cylinder 30 is shown in Figure 8. The movementof the piston rod 31 of the hydraulic cylinder 30 can be transmitted tothe shaft 27 in any desired manner, such as by a rack carried by the rodand meshing with a gear segment atfixed to the shaft, or as shown, byconnecting the free end of the piston rod 31 to shaft 27 by means of acrank 32. The hydraulic cylinder 30 is connected to a source of waterunder pressure, not shown, such as a city supply, by an inlet conduit33, which connects through a T 34 to each of two solenoid operatedthree-way pilot valves 35 and 35a, respectively. A regulating cook 36may be provided in each of the two supply lines leading from the T 34for regulating the rate of the movement of the tubes 22.

The valves 35 and 35a have pressure water connections' 37 and 37a to theopposite ends of cylinder 30 and have waste connections 38 and 38a. Thesolenoids 39 and 39a controlling the valves 35 and 35a, respectively,are electrically connected in such manner that they are energized anddeenergized in unison and that the waste connection 38 of valve 35closes and its pressure water connection 37 opens when its solenoid 39is energized, whereas the waste connection 38a of valve 35a closes andits pressure connection 37a opens when its solenoid 39a is de-energized.Thus, when a circuit through the solenoids 39 and 39a is closed,pressure water is admitted to the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 30(as seen in Figure 8) to move the piston rod 31 downwardly and turn thecrank 32 to the position shown in Figure 8 to lower the filling deviceinto filling position. When the circuit through solenoids 39 and 39a isbroken, the pressure water line 37 of valve 35 closes, and its wasteline 38 opens to relieve pressure from the upper end of the hydrauliccylinder. Simultaneously, the waste line 38a of valve 35a closes, andits pressure water line 37a opens to admit pressure water to the lowerend of hydraulic cylinder 30 (as seen in Figure 8) to move the pistonrod 31 upwardly and turn the crank 32 through an angle as indicated indotted lines in Figure 8 to move the filling device to its non-fillingposition.

As shown in Figure 4, the main 20 receives liquid from an overhead tank40 through one or more pipes 41. The overhead tank 40 may be a storagetank in which the liquid level is kept within predetermined limits bymeans of a float 42 operating an electric float switch 43. As will bedescribed in detail below, the switch 43 is 0011- nected in an electriccircuit to the starter of a pump motor, and the float opens the switch43 when it reaches its predetermined upper position and closes theswitch when it reaches its predetermined lower position in the tank 40.If sufficient space is available, a large overhead tank for a number offillings can be used. Ordinarily, however, the tank 40 will be of a sizethat the volume of liquid between the predetermined upper and lowerliquid level is sufiicient for one filling of a bank of ice cans. Liquidwill be pumped into the tank 40 from a low level storage tank or othersuitable source of liquid, not shown.

While so far tubes 22 have been described as connected to a main 20,which in turn receives water from the overhead tank 40, the main can beeliminated, and the tubes 22 can be connected directly to the overheadtank 40, as shown in Figure 10. In such case each filler :bearing 48 forthe shaft 27. :each bearing 48 is a disc 49 provided with slots 50. Thediscs 49 support the shaft 2?. By means of the slots 50 .the shaft 29can be brought into a desired angular posi- :tion with regard to shaft27, and since bracket 47 may .also be fastened to the main 20 at varyingangles, the four-link mechanism is adaptable to conditions varying 5t-ub'e 22 is connected to the overhead tank 40 by a flexible tube orhose 23a, which may be screwed directly into the tank bottom, as bynipples, or may be connected to pipes 41a of any suitable length, asshown. This construction will be preferable in many cases due to spacelimitations.

If sufficient room were always available, nothing more than the simplefour-link mechanism shown in Figure 3 would be needed. However, inexisting ice plants the space available for the filling device and itsmovement is often limited vertically or horizontally or both. This willbecome clear from further consideration of Figure 4, which shows thefilling device according to the inventionfitted into its normalsurroundings. The numeral 44 designates an overhead crane, such as isused quite genterally in ice plants for carrying a bank of cans filledwith water or ice from and to the dump rack 11. The inumeral 45designates a wall in the rear of the dump rack tthrough which the iceblocks are dropped and which usually limits the available spacehorizontally. When the ice cans have been disconnected from the crane44, the dump rack l1 swings counterclockwise about its axis of rotation12 until the cakes of ice slide out of the cans 1t), whereupon the dumprack swings back into upright position where the cans can be filled. Theblocks of ice slide down under the wall 45 over a chute 46 or the liketo a storage room or loading platform, not shown, on the other side ofthe wall 45. The dumping path of the dump rack 11 and cans 10 and thepath of the ice cakes over the chute 46 must be clear when the fillingdevice is in its retracted position. Therefore, the space available forthe filling device is determined mainly by the crane 44, wall 45, andfor the retracted position also by the dumping path of the rack 11 andthe cans 10 and the path of the ice cakes sliding over the chute 46.

in Figure 4 a preferred form of supporting the shafts 27 and 29 isshown. The main is made of sufiicient rigidity that it supports not onlyitself over its entire length but is also capable of supporting the twoshafts 27 and .29. The main 2t; may rest with its ends on supports suchas shown in Figure 1 at 21.

Clamped on the main 20 near each end thereof is a bracket 47 whichcarries a Centered on, and bolted to,

from one plant to another.

in addition to supporting the ends of the two shafts 27 and 29 in thismanner, as many intermediate support brackets, bearings, etc., as neededfor the chosen length of the filling device can be provided. Theintermediate supports can be arranged between any two pipes 22.

The four-link mechanism in Figure 4 is of the same type as described inconnection with Figure 3. Obvious- 1y, this simple mechanism could beadapted to almost any conditions of available space by properlyproportioning the length and mutual relations of the four links in eachindividual case. However, it is desirable to work with standard partsfor the four-link mechanism and still obtain a wide range ofadaptability to space limitations. To provide for such adaptabilitywithout change in the main parts of the mechanism itself, in a preferredembodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 5, a cam is incorporatedinto the four-link mechanism.

The four-link mechanism of Figure 5 is quite similar to that of Figure3; however, in this embodiment of the invention joint A1 is made movableby arranging it on an arm 54 which is fiXed to a shaft 55 rotatable instationary bearings A2. A cam 56 is rigidly fixed to the drive shaft 27and rotates with it. A roller 57 rides on the edge of the cam 56, andthe roller arm 58 is connected to the shaft 55. Thus, the link A1-D ismoved through a path defined by the shape of the cam56;'froni' thenon-filling position, shown in full lines, over an in termediate to thefilling position, shown in dotted lines.

When using this type of four-link mechanism in a filling device, eachfour-link mechanism will have an arm 5d; but all arms 54 will be held bya single through-going shaft 55. Only one cam 56, roller 57 and rollerarm 58 are needed to move shaft 55 to position all arms 54.

In Figure 6 a preferred support for the four-link mechanism of Figure 5is illustrated wherein the main 20 is used for supporting the shafts 27and 55. Figure 6 shows the drive end of the shaft 27. The end of themain 20 is supported by a support 21, and the main is made suflicientlyrigid to support itself over its entire length and also to support thetwo through-going shafts. Fastened on the main 20, as by clamping, is abracket 60, which carries a bearing 61 for the drive shaft 27. Thebracket so can be fastened to the main at varying angles whereby theposition of the drive shaft 27 can be adapted to the conditions of eachindividual plant. Centered on, and bolted to, the bearing 61 is a disc62 provided with slots, such as the slots 50 in the disc 49 of Figure 4.The disc 62 supports the shaft 55. Due to the slots in disc 62 the disccan be rotated about the bearing 61 to bring the shaft 55 into anydesired angular position with regard to the shaft 27.

As described in connection with Figure 5, the cam 56 is aiiixed to theshaft 27, roller 57 rides on the edge of cam 56, and roller arm 58 isconnected to shaft 55. Also connected to shaft 27 is the crank 32, whichis driven by the hydraulic cylinder as described in connection withFigure 8. The other ends of the main 20, drive shaft 27 and shaft 55 aresupported in the same manner by elements 21, 6t), 61 and 62, and,ifnecessary, intermediate supports 60-61-62 for the two shafts can befixed to the main 20.

With the angular positions of the two shafts 27 and 55 thus variablewith regard to the main and to each other, the entire four-linkmechanism becomes adaptable to conditions varying from one plant toanother. At the same time the distance between the shaft 27 and theshaft 55 is standardized. Thus, with the embodiment of Figure 5supported in this manner, all parts of the four-link mechanism and itssupport can be standardized. All that is needed to adapt the movement ofthis standardized fourlink mechanism over a wide range with regard toheight and width is the proper shaping of the cam 56 in accordance withthe requirements of each individual installation. Obviously, the cam 56can be shaped to adapt a standard four-llnk mechanism to almost anyspace limitations. The use of a cam permits choosing the uppermostposition of the tube 22 at varying angles according to whether thehorizontal or vertical space limitations are predominant. A furtheradvantage of using a cam is that the path of the tube 22 inside the can10 can be shaped so that the foot valve 24 approaches the bottom of thecan perpendicularly to its plane, as shown in Figure 5. The importanceof this perpendicular approach will become apparent upon considerationof the construction and operation of the foot valve 24.

As shown in detail in Figure 7, the lower end of tube 22 carries a footvalve 24. The valve casing 70 of the foot valve 24 is attached to thelower end of the tube 22 by any suitable means, such as by the boltsshown. Clamped between the upper flange of valve casing 70 and the lowerend of tube 22 is an inlet orifice 71 and a gasket 72. The valve casing70 may be shaped to provide an integral annular valve seat, or, as shownin Figure 7, a valve seat 73 may be bolted to the valve casing. The seat73 surrounds an outlet port 74. A lug 75 on the seat 73 acts as a stop.A valve stem 76 is slidable in bushings 77, which are supported from thevalve casing 70 by means of webs 78 and eyes 79. A valve member 80, ofsuitable sizeto close the port 74 when seated on the seat 73, is afiixedto the stem 76. The member 80 may comprise a valve disc Sland a rubberring 82 and is held on stem 76 by a ring 83 and a nut 84. The nut 84extends downwardly beyond the valve seat 73 and the stop '75. Theopening in nut 84 is closed by a rubber plug 85 as shown. A short spring90 surrounds the upper part of the stem 76 and abuts with one endagainst the upper eye 79 and with the other against a nut 91 on theupper end of stem 76. The spring 90 is arranged to urge the valve member80 upwardly in valve opening direction, but is made so short that itsforce is spent long before the valve port 74 is fully open.

The operation of the filling device will be readily understood. Assumingthat the ice cans 10 are in upright position on the dump rack 11 andready for filling, the filling device is in non-filling position withthe filler tubes 22 retracted; and the overhead tank 40 has been filledto the predetermined upper level. The cycle of filling operations isstarted by manually closing a normally open switch 100 (Figure 9)whereby a circuit through the solenoids 39 and 39a of the hydrauliccylinder is established. As described above, when the solenoids areenergized, pressure water is admitted to the upper end of hydrauliccylinder 30, and the filler tubes are moved from the non-fillingposition, shown in full lines in Figure 3, through the path shown indotted lines in Figure 3 to the filling position, shown in full lines inFigure 4.

When the tubes 22 approach their lowermost position, as determined bythe four-link motion, the plugs 85 touch the bottoms of the cans,whereby the valve discs 81 are prevented from further downward movement.The valve casings 70 and valve seats 73, however, continue theirdownward movement with a force derived from the drive means of thefour-link mechanisms until the tubes 22 have reached the predeterminedlowermost position. Thus, the foot valves 24 begin to opensimultaneously as soon as the plugs 85 touch the bottoms of the cans andcontinue to open until the downward movement of the tubes ends. Thestops 75 determine the maximum valve openings.

' Opening of the valves 24 is opposed by the water pressure on the valvediscs 81. If this water pressure were unopposed, a high pressure wouldbuild up on the can bottoins before the valves could open, and a largeforce would be needed to lower the tubes, valve casings andseats'totheir lowermost position. By opposing this waterpr'es'su're'with the force of the springs 90 which act in 'vIalveopening direction, a substantial portion of the valve closing force dueto the water pressure is balanced, and thevalves open without'subjectingthe can bottoms to undue pressure and without necessitating a largeopening force. As' soon as the foot valves 24 open and the water startsflowing into the cans, the water pressure, and consequently also thepressure on the can bottoms, drop rapi'dly'and soon reach a value whichis only a fraction of the's'tatic' pressure. Therefore, the length ofthe springs 90islsuch that the springs are fully expanded when the waterpressure reaches a small value. By turning the nuts "91 on the stems 76,the spring force can be set to balance a desired portion .of the valveclosing force of the water pressure. However, the value of the springforce is limited bythenecessity of avoiding that the spring opens thefoot valve 2 4 in the raised position of the filler tube 22. In'thisposition, where the filling system is not subjected to pump or otherextraneous pressure, the value of the water pressure acting in valveclosing direction is smaller, and the value of the spring forceacting'in valve opening direction must always be less than this smallervalue of the water pressure.

'After;the:valves 24=have opened, filling proceeds. Due

to thepr'essure drop across the orifices 71, substantiallyequalkfillingof {the cam is obtained despite the frictionh'e'adilosses-and velocity head recovery along the header 20. "When-theliquid level in storage tank 40 reaches its predetermined lowerelevation,the float 42 closes the switch 43 to deenergize the solenoids39 and 39a of the hydraulic cylinder 30 to start the retracting movementof the filling device. When the casings 70 of the foot valves 24 arelifted off the can bottoms, the foot valves begin to close and are fullyclosed when they have reached the position shown in Figure 7.Thereafter, the liquid head on the valve seats 73 holds the valvesclosed against ingress of air and egress of water until the valves reachagain the position shown in Figure 7 during the downward movement of thefilling tubes in the next filling cycle when the forces derived from thehydraulic cylinder 30 and the springs again open the valves. The fillertubes 22 are full of liquid at all times, and thus entrainment of air isprevented.

Closing of the switch 43 when the float 42 reaches the predeterminedlower liquid level also starts flow of liquid to the storage tank 40 byactuating the motor 101 (Figure 9) of a pump, not shown. Filling of thestorage tank 40 continues thereafter until the predetermined upperliquid level has been reached, at which time the switch 43 is opened andthe pump stopped. At about the same time the filling device reaches itsretracted non-filling position. With the storage tank 40 filled to thepredetermined upper level, the apparatus is ready for a new fillingoperation, which is initiated by again pressing the push button switch100, as described above.

Filling of the overhead tank 40 may take longer than the retractingmovement of the filling device. However, there is ample time availablefor the filling of the overhead tank 40. After the retracting movementof the filling device is completed, the cans filled with water must behoisted away and a new set of cans filled with ice deposited on the dumpand the ice blocks dumped from this set. Only after completion of theseoperations a new fill.- ing cycle begins.

An electrical wiring diagram for carrying out the movement of thefilling device and the filling of the tank 40 is shown in Figure 9. 102is a two pole relay (one pole serving as an interlock) including coil103, resistor 104 and poles 105 and 106. When the operator starts thecycle of operation by momentarily pressing normally open push buttonswitch 100, a circuit is established from sourceof power L1 throughconductors and 111, push button switch 100, coil 103 of relay 102,resistor 10.4 and conductor 112 to source of power L2. This energizesthe coil 103 of relay 102 and brings poles 105 and 106 in contact withterminals 107 and 10$, respectively. Pole 105 in contact with terminal107 establishes a holding circuit from L1 through conductors 110 and113, terminal 107, pole 105, coil 103, resistor 104 and conductor 112 toL2, which keeps the relay energized after the push button switch 100hasbeen opened. Pole 106 in contact with terminal 108 closes a circuitfrom L1 through conductors 110 and 114, terminal 108, pole 106,conductor 115, solenoids 39 and 39a, conductors 116 and 112 to L2.

Energizing of both solenoids causes the waste line 38 of valve 35 toclose and its pressure line 37 to open, and the waste line 38a of .valve35a to open and the pressure line 37a to close. Pressure water is nowadmitted to the upper end of hydraulic cylinder 30 to move the fillingdevice to the filling position, as described above. The circuit throughthe solenoids 39 and 39a remains closed until the float 42. reaches itspredetermined lower position, i. e., until the cans have been filled.Thus, the filling device is held in the filling position by positiveliquid pressure during the entire filling time.

43 is a double pole float switch whose poles 121 and 122-are opened bythe float 42 when the float reaches the predetermined maximum liquidlever in tank 40. and are closed by the float when the float reaches thepredetermined minimum liquid level. Closing of pole 1 21 closes acircuit from L1 through conductors 110 and 113, terminal 107, pole 105,conductor 123, closed pole 121, conductor 124,. resistor 104 andconductor 112 to L2. This short-circuits the coil 103 of, relay 102 tode-energize the relay and open its poles 105 and 106. Opening of pole106 breaks the circuit through the solenoids 39 and 39a so that valve 35opens its We ate connection 38 and closes its pressure line 37 torelieve pressure from the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 30.Simultaneously the waste line 38a of valve 35a closes and its pressureline 37a opens to admit pressure liquid to the lower end of thehydraulic cylinder to efiect the retracting movement of the fillingdevice to the non-filling position, as described above.

Closing of pole 122 of float switch 43 completes a circuit from L1through conductor 130, motor starter 131 of pump motor 101, conductor132, pole 122 and conductor 133 to L2. This starts the pump motor, andfilling of the tank 40 begins. The circuit through pole 122 remainsclosed until the float reaches the predetermined upper liquid level andopens the switch 43. Opening of pole 122 breaks the circuit to the motorstarter 131 whereby the pump motor is stopped. Opening of the pole 121does not affect the solenoids 39 and 39a, which remain de-energized, asthe circuit through them is broken at pole 106 of relay 102. Allcircuits are now broken and remain broken until a new cycle ofoperations is started by closing of the starter switch 100. Meanwhile,pressure on the lower side of the hydraulic cylinder continues due tosolenoid 39a being de-energized, so that thefilling device is held inits retracted position by positive liquid pressure.

It will be seen that I have invented a filling device which is capableof filling in unison and from the bottom a bank of containers of anydesired length and which can be made almost entirely of standardizedparts and still readily adapted to varying space limitations. The deviceoperates automatically except for the starting of the filling cycle.

Many changes in the structure shown and described can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, for example,when using the construction of Figure 10, the orifices 71 can be locatedin the inlets of the pipes 41a instead of in the inlets to the footvalves, as shown, without changing their function as a means ofobtaining substantially equal filling of all containers. Obviously,other drive means than a hydraulic cylinder can be used to move theshaft 27. Accordingly, I do not wish to be limited to the exact detailsof the construction shown and described for purposes of illustration butnot of limitation.

I claim:

1. A device for filling a bank of containers in unison from the bottomcomprising a bank of filler tubes mov able between a filling and anon-filling position, a flexible connection to a source of liquidattached to one end of each tube, the other end of each tube in thefilling position being adjacent the bottom of its associated containerand in the non-filling position being retracted to clear the upper rimof the container, a rotatable shaft, fixed support bearings for saidshaft, a plurality of first links pivotally connected to said tubes withone end and rigidly connected to said shaft with their other ends, aplurality of second links pivotally connected to said tubes with one endand rotatably supported with their other ends, and means for drivingsaid shaft through a predetermined angle to move said tubes throughnon-circular paths between their filling and their non-filling position.

2. In a device for filling in unison a bank of containers with liquidcomprising a stationary header connected to a source of liquid, a bankof filler tubes, flexible connections between said header and saidtubes, valve means regulating the flow of liquid from said tubes,mechanical means operative to swing said tubes through non-circularpaths between a non-filling and a filling position, said mechanicalmeans including a shaft, fixed support bearings for said shaft, a firstlink rigidly connected to said shaft with one end and pivotallyconnected to one of said filler tubes with its other end, a cam rigidlyaffixed to said shaft, a rotatably supported member positioned by saidcam, a second link pivotally connected to said filler tube with one endand pivotally connected to said member with its other end, and means forrotating said shaft through an angle to move said tubes between theirfilling and non-filling position.

3. A device for filling in unison a bank of containers from the bottomcomprising a stationary header connected to a source of liquid, a bankof filler tubes, flexible connections between said header and the inletends of said tubes, mechanical means for supporting said tubes andmoving them in unison through non-circular paths between a fillingposition wherein their outlet ends are adjacent the bottoms of saidcontainers and a non-filling. position wherein said outlet ends areretracted from saidv containers, said mechanical means including twoshafts, fixed support bearings for each of said shafts, first links, onefor each tube, rigidly connected to one of said shafts: with one end andpivotally connected to said tubes with their other ends, and secondlinks, one for each tube, rotatably supported by the other shaft withone end and pivotally connected to said tubes with their other ends,drive means for one of said shafts; and valve means regulating flow fromsaid tubes.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support bearings are supportedby said header.

5. A device for filling in unison a bank of containers with liquid fromthe bottom comprising a bank of swingably supported filler tubesconnected to, and communicating with, a source of liquid, mechanicalmeans connected with said tubes and movable through a predeterminedangle, said tubes in one end position of said mechanical means being intheir filling position adjacent the bottom of said containers and in theother end position of said mechanical means being in their non-fillingposition retracted from said containers, drive means for said mechanicalmeans, and a foot valve at the outlet end of each tube automaticallyregulating flow from said tubes to start when said mechanical meansreach said one end position and to stop when said mechanical meansbegins to move from said one end position, each foot valve comprising acasing fixed to the outlet end of its tube, said casing having an opentop portion forming an inlet port,

and an open bottom portion forming an outlet port, a,

valve seat surrounding said outlet port, a valve stem slidably supportedin said casing, a valve member alfixed said stem and closing said outletport when seated on said. seat, said valve member being held to saidseat by liquid head in said casing, said valve member having a portionextending through said outlet port when said valve member is seated onsaid seat and arresting further downward movement of said valve memberwhen it contacts the bottom of said container, and a spring acting onsaid valve member in valve opening direction and balancing apredetermined portion of the liquid head acting on said valve member invalve closing direction.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 including an orifice restricting said inletport.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 including adjusting means for varying theportion of liquid head balanced by said spring.

8. A device for filling in unison a bank of containers from the bottomcomprising a stationary main, a bank of filler tubes flexibly connectedto said main, one foreach container, said tubes being swingable from afilling position wherein their lower ends are adjacent the bottom of thecontainers to a non-filling position wherein theirlower ends areretracted from the containers, valve means regulating flow from saidtubes, mechanical means for supporting said tubes and moving them inunison through non-circular paths between their filling and non-fillingpositions, said mechanical means including a plurality of four-linkmechanisms, one for each of said tubes, and

having a common drive shaft rotatable through a predetermined angle, asecond shaft, a plurality of levers, each of said levers being pivotallyconnected with one 1 1 endtoalink of a four-link. mechanism andrigidlyconnected with its other. endto said second shaft, a. cam on saiddrive,shaft, a. member positionedby said, cam. and connected to saidsecondshaft, drive means for said drive shaft, first support bearings for saiddrive shaft, second support bearings for said second shaft and supportedby saidlfirstI support bearings, andumeans for rotating said:

tionary supply tank, a member responsive to the liquid level in saidsupply tank and controlling the supply of liquidto said, supply tank,abank of filler tubes connectedto said supply tank, mechanicalmeans forsupporting said tubes and moving them in unison throughnon circular.paths between a filling and a non-filling position,

said mechanical means including a plurality of four-link mechanisms, oneforeach tube, two links of each fourlink mechanism being pivotallyconnected to spaced points of, a tube with one end and rotatablysupported with the other end, a common drive shaft for said four-linkmecha: nisms rotatable through,- a predetermined angle, drive means forvsaid shaft, control means for said drive means includinga manuallyinstigated switch for movingsaid tubes to filling position, and saidliquid-level responsive member fonmoving said tubes to their non-fillingposition, and valve means automatically opening and closing to start andstop flow from said filler tubes when said tubes reach a predeterminedposition ontheir downward and upward movement, respectively.

11.. A device forfilling in unison a bank of containers from the bottomcomprising a bank of filler tubes, one,

for each container, said tubes. being swingable from a filling.position, wherein their. lower. ends are adjacent the...

bottom of the containers to a non-fillingposition wherein theirlowerends are retractedfrom the containers, a flex ible connection fromasource of liquid to each of said tubes, mechanical means forsupportingsaid tubes and moving them in unisonthrough non-eircular pathsbe-; tween their filling and non-filling positions, said mechanishaft,drive means for said drive shaft, andfoot valves.

regulating flow from said tubes, each foot valve comprising a casingfixed to the outlet end of its tube, said casing having an open topportion forming an inlet port and an open .bottom portion forming anoutlet port, an'orifice restricting said inlet port, a valve seatsurrounding said.

outlet port, a valve stem slidably supported in said casing, a valvemember affixed to. said stemv and closing said outlet portwhen seated onsaidseatand held. to said seatby.

liquid head in said casing,.saidvalve member having. a portion extendingthrough said outlet port when said valve member is seated ,on said seat,and a spring balancing. a predetermined portion of the liquid headacting on saidv valve member in valve closing direction, during. apredetermined portion of the valve opening movement.

12. A device for filling a bank of containers in unison from .the bottomcomprising a bankv of swingably supported filler tubes, a flexibleconnection between a source of liquid and the inlet end of eachof saidtubes, a bank of four-link mechanisms, one associated with each tube,

sunnorti-ngsaid tubes, eachfour-link mechanism includ ing two linksbeing rotatably supported withone-end and. having..their other endspivotally connected to spaced points on their. associated tube, andmeans for rotating said links through a predetermined angle to move saidtubes through non-circular paths between their filling, position wheretheir outlet ends are adjacent the bottoms of the containers and theirnon-filling position where theirv outlet ends are retracted to clear thetop rims of'said containers.

13. A device for filling in unison a bank of cans from the bottomcomprising a bank of filler tubes movable from a filling positionwherein their lower ends are adjacent the bottoms of the cans to anon-filling position wherein theirlower ends are retracted from thecans, a flexible connection from a source of liquid to eachof saidfiller tubes, valvemeans regulating flow. from said tubes, a pluralityof four-link mechanisms corresponding in numher to said tubes,supporting'saidtubes and moving them.

through non-circular paths between their fillingand'nonfillingpositions, a common drive shaft for-said four-linkmechanisms rotatable through a predetermined angle, means for movingsaidshaft through said angle, each four-link mechanism including a firstlink pivotally connected to a filler tube with one end and rigidlyconnected .7

to saidshaft with: the other end, a second link pivotally connected: tosaid filler tube with one end, and an arm pivotally connected with oneend to the other end of said second link, and rotatably supported withits other end,

a cam rigidly connected to said drive shaft, and a-member positioned bysaid camand operatively connected'to one of said arms.

14. A device for filling a bank of containers in unison from thebottom.comprising a bank of filler tubes, one foreachcontainer, saidtubes being swingable from a fillingv positionwherein their. lower endsare adjacent the and the. non-.filling position, each four-linkmechanism including a first anda second movable link pivotallyconnected: to. spaced points of a tube, whereby said tube forms a thirdlink of its four-link mechanism, means for rotatingsaid first links inunison through a predetermined angle about a fixed center of rotation,and means for moving said second links in unison throughnon-circular'paths, and valve means controlling the discharge from saidtubes.

15. A device for filling a container from the: bottom,

comprising a swingably. supported filler tube, a flexible connectionbetween a source of liquid and the-inlet of said; tube, :a, four-linkmechanism supporting'said tube. said fourrlink mechanism including twolinks rotatably supported with one-end and having their other endpivotably connected to spaced points on said tube, and means:

for. rotatingsaid links through a predetermined angleto move saidtube-through a noncircular path between itsfilling position, whereits'outlet end is adjacent the bottom of the--container-,.and itsnon-filling position, where its outlet end is retracted to clear the toprim of said container.

16. A liquid flow control valve comprisinga valve body having an outletport, a valve seat surrounding saidoutlet port,- -a valve stem and avalve disc attached to said'stem and adapted to be seated'on said seatand when so seated closing said outlet port, said stem andbodybeingmovable relative to each other in valve openingv and closingdirection,-means for moving said stem and valve body relative toeachother, inletrneans for introducing liquid into said valvebody, saidvalve disc being so arrangedrelativeto said inlet means and. seat thatliquid introduced through. said inlet means acts on .said disc in valveclosing directionin all positions. of said disc, and a springoperativelycon nected to -said valve disc and acting on said valve discin 1 valve opening direction during. a predeterminedinitial- 13 portiononly of the valve opening movement and, during said predeterminedinitial portion, balancing a predetermined portion of the liquidpressure acting on said disc in valve closing direction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 14 7Davis Aug. 27, 1918 Strater Jan. 3, 1922 Shipley Jan. 29, 1924 ShipleyAug. 2, 1927 Raetz June 17, 1930 Schneider Ian. 8, 1935 White Nov. 7,1939 Lenzke Mar. 26, 1940 Foster et a1 Dec. 17, 1940 Funk et al. June22, 1948 Tamminga July 22, 1952

